Gettysburg: Beer, Wine, and History Guided Walking Tour

If you’re heading to Gettysburg and want to add a fun, laid-back twist to your visit, the Gettysburg: Beer, Wine, and History Guided Walking Tour might just be what you’re looking for. This experience promises a mix of local drinks, historical storytelling, and scenic walks — a combination that can appeal to history buffs, casual drinkers, or those simply wanting a different way to see Gettysburg.

From the reviews, it’s clear that some visitors love the knowledgeable guides and the variety of local spots, while others note that it’s a short tour for the price. It’s not a deep-dive into Civil War history, but rather a casual, social way to explore the town’s storied past. If you’re someone who enjoys storytelling over a drink, this tour offers a relaxed pace and a chance to mingle with both locals and fellow travelers.

However, keep in mind that this experience is not suitable for those with mobility issues or anyone under 21. Also, it’s a 1.5-hour tour, so it’s quick and sweet — perfect if you’re on a tight schedule or want a fun afternoon activity. If you’re hungry for a full dinner or a comprehensive history lesson, you’ll want to supplement this tour with other experiences.

Who is this tour best for? It’s ideal for adult visitors who appreciate a casual vibe, love trying local drinks, or want to hear some Civil War tales in a lively setting. Families with older kids might also enjoy it, provided everyone is comfortable walking and sampling drinks (no hard liquor). It’s a good option for those who want a blend of history and socializing rather than an intense historical lecture.

Key Points

• Casual, social experience blending history and drinks
• Guided tour with well-informed narration
• Includes visits to different pubs, breweries, and wineries
• One drink per stop (excluding hard liquor)
• Short duration (about 1.5 hours), making it easy to fit in a busy day
• Not suitable for minors or mobility-impaired travelers

You can check availability for your dates here:

Walking Through the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Meeting Details

You’ll meet in the backyard of The Brickhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast at 452 Baltimore Street. Just a heads-up — don’t park in the inn’s back lot unless you’re an overnight guest; those spots are reserved, and non-guests risk being towed. Plenty of nearby street parking is available, so plan ahead.

What the Tour Covers

This guided walk lasts about an hour and a half, taking you through five different pubs, breweries, and wineries. Your guide, who’s described as knowledgeable and engaging, will share stories of Gettysburg’s Civil War history and the establishments you visit. The stops include some local favorites, like the Fourscore Beer Co. patio, which is perfect for soaking up the sun while munching on fried foods and enjoying a brew.

What You’ll Drink

Participants receive one drink per stop, though hard liquor isn’t included. The selection ranges from beer, wine, cider, and even apple whiskey, giving a taste of local flavors. One reviewer mentioned the chocolate cherry wine and creamy soda as highlights, so you’ll find a variety of options beyond the usual.

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The Stops and Their Specialties

You’ll visit spots like the Tattered Flag Taproom, a vintage pub with just 16 stools, which adds to its cozy, old-school vibe. Then there’s Dawg Gone Bees, a place that offers local brews, and J&P Winery, where you can sample wine and learn about the making process. The Blue & Gray Bar and Grill is another stop, adding to the historical theme.

Behind-The-Scenes Insights

One of the appealing aspects of this tour is the chance to peek behind the scenes at how drinks are made. From cider to wine, you’ll learn about production methods, adding an educational touch to the social experience.

The Civil War Connection

While the focus is on the sampling and social aspect, the guide also shares stories from the 1863 battle, giving a lively narration that mixes local lore with history. Several reviews praise guides like Silver for being informative and engaging, which makes the experience more than just a pub crawl.

The Experience’s Strengths

Knowledgeable Guides: Many reviews, including those praising Silver, highlight the guides’ ability to blend history with fun anecdotes, making the tour engaging and informative.

Variety of Venues: Visiting diverse venues — from a vintage taproom to a winery — keeps the experience fresh. It’s like a mini tour of Gettysburg’s drink scene, sprinkled with history.

Relaxed Pace: The 1.5-hour duration means you won’t feel rushed, and you can comfortably chat with your guide and fellow travelers. It’s perfect for a laid-back afternoon.

Local Flavors: Sampling regional wines, ciders, and beers lets you take home a taste of Gettysburg. Plus, enjoying snacks like fried foods on the patio adds to the casual, convivial atmosphere.

Considerations and Downsides

Price vs. Time: At $98 per person, some might find this a little steep for a 1.5-hour tour, especially since food isn’t included. However, when you factor in the guided experience and multiple stops, it offers good value if you’re into social drinking and local stories.

Limited Food Options: The tour does not include food, so if you’re hungry, plan to eat beforehand or after. The focus is on the drinks and the stories, not a full meal.

Mobility and Age Restrictions: It’s not suitable for people with mobility issues or those under 21, which might limit some travelers.

Weather Dependence: Rain or shine, the tour runs, so be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you enjoy learning local history in a relaxed setting, this is a great pick. It’s perfect for adults who like to socialize over drinks, or visitors who want a fun, casual way to see parts of Gettysburg. History buffs will appreciate the storytelling, while casual drinkers will enjoy trying out local brews and wines.

It’s less suited for families with young children, given the alcohol focus, and those with mobility challenges might want to consider the walking aspects carefully.

Final Thoughts

The Gettysburg: Beer, Wine, and History Guided Walking Tour offers a lively, personable way to experience Gettysburg beyond the usual battlefield visits. It combines local drinks, engaging guides, and interesting stories in a way that’s approachable and fun. If you’re looking for a relaxed, social way to learn about Gettysburg’s past while enjoying regional beverages, this tour is worth considering.

It’s particularly good for those who appreciate well-informed guides, enjoy trying regional drinks, and want a taste of local life. Just remember, it’s a short tour intended more for social enjoyment than in-depth historical exploration. Pair it with other activities for a full Gettysburg experience.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable and fun activity in the afternoon.

Where do I meet the guide?
You meet in the backyard of The Brickhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast at 452 Baltimore Street. Just avoid parking in the inn’s back lot.

Are drinks included?
Yes, you get one drink per stop, but hard liquor isn’t part of the tour.

Can I bring food?
Food isn’t included, but you can purchase snacks at stops like Fourscore Beer Co., or eat beforehand.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for adults, and you must be 21 or over to participate.

What if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather.

Are there any mobility restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to walking involved.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How much does it cost?
It’s $98 per person, which covers the guide and five stops with drinks.

Overall, if you’re after a fun, social, and light-hearted way to explore Gettysburg’s history and local flavors, this tour might just be the ticket. It’s a good balance of storytelling and socializing, making history feel a little more personal and a lot more enjoyable.

You can check availability for your dates here: